We always believe we can beat the big guns - there's no point in playing if you don't.

BBC: Sevens Scots head Stateside

Say "nail guns" and a computer screen would point to the right aisle.

FORBES: Do You Want Nails With That?

They can point to grim statistics: roughly 950 people were killed by guns in Tennessee in 2006, according to the National Centre for Injury Prevention and Control.

ECONOMIST: Stocking up on the necessities of life

They point today to facts like -- that he signed bills allowing guns in National Parks and on Amtrak, and say, why is this conversation starting only now?

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney,

But the point is many more people are hurt by cars, then by guns, and we keep making faster cars, with more horsepower then we will ever use or need.

FORBES: Despite Outrage And Grief, Irrational Gun Rights Restrictions Won't Prevent Senseless Violence

Critics point out that criminals tend to use smuggled, and therefore unregistered, guns anyway.

ECONOMIST: Taking pot-shots at a white elephant

One sticking point concerned checks involving private sales and what records would be maintained once guns are purchased.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Mr. Hicks said that at one point, he felt so vulnerable he asked diplomatic security officers if they would train diplomats how to handle guns.

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